APOTHECARY

​WHY CHINESE HERBS?

The Chinese character for what we call herbs is more correctly translated to mean "medicinal substances." This definition includes all the parts of plants (roots, flowers, stems, fruit, bark, etc.), as well as minerals and animal parts. Chinese herbs are given in multi-substance prescriptions, each herb balancing one another to achieve a unique effect for each individual. Taking Chinese herbal formulas acts as continuation of treatment throughout the week at a comparatively low cost.. Herbs are particularly helpful for chronic conditions, common-cold prevention, immune support, and balancing problems caused from improper diet. ​

​Chinese medicine diagnosis involves categorizing symptoms into discrete syndromes, or "patterns," not recognized in western medicine. The foundation behind these pattern diagnoses involves understanding the body through a naturalist perspective, and are characterized using labels such as "dampness syndrome" or "heat syndrome."

Qi can be thought of as a vital movement flowing through the body, accounting for multiple functions of health maintenance.

Anything you put into your body becomes integrated into your physiology through metabolism; your diet and lifestyle affect your pattern and health. From a Chinese Medicine perspective, ingesting too much or too little of any one thing can result in imbalance and disease. Contemporary lifestyles often result in excess consumption, particularly of sweet and salty foods, which can cause dampness and heat imbalance for example. Bitter herbs are used medicinally to "drain dampness" and "clear heat" from the body, actions often correlated to diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Multi-substance Chinese prescriptions support homeostasis while resolving symptoms. Western drugs address isolated aspects of physiology, which can lead to side-effects and imbalances in other areas. Western drugs are very strong in pharmaceutical action, and can be extremely helpful in life-threatening situations. Chinese herbs are far more gentle, making them more suited to less severe conditions, as well as preventative care.

Your acupuncturist is trained not only in prescribing herbal formulas, but also in making dietary and lifestyle recommendations to support your individual pattern. ​

WHAT CAN I TAKE HERBS FOR?

Anything that acupuncture treats can be treated by herbs. A treatment can theoretically be more effective if supplemented with herbs because they are taken throughout the week after a session. This can both prolong the effects of Chinese Medicine treatment, which will resolve issues more quickly. They are particularly recommended for chronic conditions, immune support, and for people who are averse to needles but are still want Chinese medicine.

HOW LONG AND HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED TO TAKE HERBS?

Typically herbs are given for a week at a time, to be taken 2-3 times per day. Your acupuncturist will need to review your diagnosis weekly and alter your herbal prescription to fit you pattern progress.

ARE CHINESE HERBS THE SAME AS WESTERN HERBS?

The main difference is that western herbs are often prescribed individually, while Chinese formulas are nearly exclusively given in prescriptions of 3-10 substances. Chinese prescriptions need to be given as combinations; substances balance each other to achieve very specific effects for the individual pattern. However, many herbs are so widely used that they are common to both practices. Astragalus is a western herb that is now commonly used in Chinese formulas, just as ginseng is a Chinese herb that is often used as a western supplement. The difference is in their practical applications.

CAN I TAKE HERBS WITH PRESCRIPTION DRUGS?

The metabolic pathways for herbs are similar to western drugs. There can sometimes be interactions between a Chinese herb and a prescription drug. It is important to disclose all medications to you acupuncturist before taking Chinese herbal formulas.

CAN GET AN HERBAL FORMULA WITH MY ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT?

Your scheduled acupuncture session includes the cost of an herbal consultation. The cost of the herbs themselves are additional, priced by weight in grams. You can also schedule an herbal consultation without acupuncture for a separate cost.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM AN HERBAL CONSULTATION?

If your are a first time patient, you will go through an in-depth intake with your practitioner, including detailed medical history and current lifestyle/dietary habits. A consultation for a patient with an existing file will take considerably less time. Your practitioner will assess your pattern, assemble your formula, and write detailed cooking instructions for you in a timely manner.

At Open Mind Holistics, you can purchase herbs in addition to an acupuncture treatment, or schedule an individual herbal consultation (without acupuncture services). Our board-certified herbalist, Isaac Hoft, will assess your individual case and would be happy to prescribe you Chinese herbs for your pattern. Our apothecary is stocked with whole Chinese Herbs for you to cook at home with your acupuncturist's instructions.

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